Museum of Toronto

Museum of Toronto This is Toronto's city museum. bit.ly/m/MuseumofToronto

06/02/2026

Did you know one of Toronto’s mayors once owned a brothel?

Toronto has had its fair share of scandals, but this one feels especially Victorian. Mayor William Henry Boulton owned a building that also happened to house a brothel. When it was raided, it was the manager — not Boulton — who faced the consequences. The judge overseeing the case was also Boulton’s uncle, with the Mayor sitting beside him during proceedings.

And somehow, the scandal didn’t end his political career. A decade later, he was elected mayor again.

Stories like this are part of The T.O. You Don’t Know — a new exhibition uncovering hidden, strange, and overlooked Toronto histories.

We’re also launching a new monthly email series delivering one surprising Toronto story to your inbox each month.

Link in Bio for the signup link to subscribe
Let’s uncover the Toronto most people never learned about.

06/01/2026

June Rowlands was a dedicated public servant, commencing her career in municipal politics with her election to City Council in 1976. In 1991, she made history by becoming Toronto’s 60th Mayor and the city’s first female mayor, holding the position until 1994. She didn’t stop there; she became the first woman to lead both the Toronto Transit Commission and the Metropolitan Toronto Police Commission.

Explore her story and 51 other women who transformed Toronto — through an immersive live theatrical experience.

The 52 Live: Stories of Women Who Transformed Toronto Presented by Museum of Toronto In association with Luminato Festival

Date: Wednesday, June 24 - Saturday, June 27, 2026
Location: Toronto City Archives
Tickets & Info: Link in Bio

05/29/2026

The 52 Live: Stories of Women Who Transformed Toronto Presented by Museum of Toronto In association with Luminato Festival

Hidden in archives, carved into city streets, woven through Toronto's history—the stories of women who built this city wait to be told. They represent 52% of Toronto's population, and in this groundbreaking RETURN performance, their voices rise to life.

Through 52 powerful vignettes including new stories uncovered for the return 2026 edition, this innovative theatrical experience celebrates the women who have shaped our city. Created by the Museum of Toronto, The 52 Live unfolds against the dramatic backdrop of the City Archives, where 24 Canadian playwrights give voice to pioneers, artists, leaders, and changemakers.

Date: Wednesday, June 24 - Saturday, June 27, 2026
Location: Toronto City Archives
Tickets & Info: Link in Bio

About Luminato Festival: Luminato Festival transforms the people, places, and possibilities of Toronto with extraordinary art experiences. Every June we present bold, playful, and of the moment art for all to enjoy. Distinctly Toronto, proudly Canadian and totally Global, we welcome the world to explore our streets, stages and stories. Encounter our city like never before.

Photo Credits:
1. Ange Loft in The 52 Live (2025) at the City of Toronto Archives. Photo by Lorne Bridgman. 2025
2. Director Evalyn Parry and full 2025 company and cast in rehearsal for The 52 Live at City of Toronto Archives. Photo by Lorne Bridgman. 2025
3. Toronto Archives - Photos from Nick Lee. 2025

Thank you to everyone who visited The 52 over the past year and helped make the exhibition so special.From quiet reflect...
05/21/2026

Thank you to everyone who visited The 52 over the past year and helped make the exhibition so special.

From quiet reflections to powerful conversations, your presence brought these stories to life in ways we could never have imagined.

The exhibition is now officially closed, but if you’re still thinking about these stories, The 52: Live Theatrical Experience is coming this June.

This immersive theatrical experience brings to life the stories of women who helped shape Toronto through rotating performances, voices, and live storytelling.

📍 City of Toronto Archives
📅 June 24–27
🎟 Tickets in Bio

And beyond that… something entirely new is coming soon. Stay Tuned.

05/20/2026

The 52 Live: Stories of Women Who Transformed Toronto Presented by Museum of Toronto In association with Luminato Festival

Hidden in archives, carved into city streets, woven through Toronto's history—the stories of women who built this city wait to be told. They represent 52% of Toronto's population, and in this groundbreaking RETURN performance, their voices rise to life.

Through 52 powerful vignettes including new stories uncovered for the return 2026 edition, this innovative theatrical experience celebrates the women who have shaped our city. Created by the Museum of Toronto, The 52 Live unfolds against the dramatic backdrop of the City Archives, where 24 Canadian playwrights give voice to pioneers, artists, leaders, and changemakers.

Date: Wednesday, June 24 - Saturday, June 27, 2026
Location: Toronto City Archives
Tickets & Info: Link in Bio

About Luminato Festival: Luminato Festival transforms the people, places, and possibilities of Toronto with extraordinary art experiences. Every June we present bold, playful, and of the moment art for all to enjoy. Distinctly Toronto, proudly Canadian and totally Global, we welcome the world to explore our streets, stages and stories. Encounter our city like never before.

From bold opinions and sharp honesty to deeply personal reflections on the city we call home, the evening reminded us ju...
05/19/2026

From bold opinions and sharp honesty to deeply personal reflections on the city we call home, the evening reminded us just how many different versions of Toronto exist at once and how meaningful it is to share them together.

A huge thank you to our incredible speakers: , , , , Dr Kate Mulligan, , Dr Kwame McKenzie, and for bringing their stories, perspectives, humour, and love for Toronto to the stage.

And a special thank you to our host for guiding the evening with such warmth, insight, and humour.

And thank you to everyone who came out and made the night so special.

Toronto, we’ll always have something to confess. ✨

05/15/2026

Karen Kain worked as the Artistic Director of the National Ballet for 16 years. Kain began her career showcasing her passion and dedication to ballet by starring as the Swan Queen in Swan Lake and quickly thereafter becoming a Principal Dancer.

Last Weekend to reflect on women whose stories continue to shape Toronto today.

Closing May 16.

Canada Ireland Foundation is bringing some of Ireland’s most acclaimed and exciting theatre companies to Toronto this Ma...
05/14/2026

Canada Ireland Foundation is bringing some of Ireland’s most acclaimed and exciting theatre companies to Toronto this May.

The Bealtaine (Byal-tin-uh) Theatre Festival happens from May 21-June 7 at the Corleck, Toronto’s newest waterfront destination located near Bathurst and Queens Quay.

Use code: Bealtaine10 for 10% off single tickets to any show in the festival.

Learn more and book your tickets: Link in Bio

What does Kate Mulligan have to confess about Toronto? ✨A health geographer, writer, and global expert in community-led ...
05/13/2026

What does Kate Mulligan have to confess about Toronto? ✨

A health geographer, writer, and global expert in community-led wellbeing, Kate Mulligan brings a thoughtful perspective on how neighbourhoods shape our lives to Toronto Confessions.

As founding director of the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing and a professor at the University of Toronto, her work explores how communities foster connection, care, and belonging.

📍 The Second City Toronto
📅 May 14
⏰ 7:00 PM

Come hear what she loves, what she questions, and what Toronto means through her lens.
✨ What’s one thing you love about Toronto and one thing you’d change?

05/12/2026

In 1899, Clara Cynthia Benson made history as the first woman to graduate from the University of Toronto with a chemistry degree. In 1903, she achieved another milestone, being one of the first two women to earn a PhD at the University. Following her doctorate, Benson became one of the University’s first female professors, teaching at the Lillian Massey School of Domestic Science. During World War I, she made the remarkable discovery that the chemical properties of food and explosives could be analyzed using the same methods – revolutionizing munitions labs’ depth of analysis. Moreover, she played an active role in developing the University of Toronto’s women’s athletics program, serving as the Women’s Athletic Association’s inaugural president from 1921 until her retirement in 1945. The Clara Benson building, dedicated in her honour, remains a part of the university’s athletics facilities.

Benson’s impact lives on through the Canadian Society for Chemistry’s annual Clara Benson Award, presented to a woman whose work in chemistry has made a distinguished contribution in Canada.

Last week to reflect on women whose stories continue to shape Toronto today. Closing May 16.

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401 Richmond West LL01
Toronto, ON
M5V3A8

Opening Hours

Wednesday 12pm - 6pm
Thursday 12pm - 6pm
Friday 12pm - 6pm
Saturday 12pm - 6pm

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